A provincial investigation into the RCMP’s actions regarding a standoff with 49-year-old Gerald Thompson in Portapique back in October has concluded. The investigation deemed there are no grounds to consider charges against officers involved and that they did their best to have the man surrender without harm to anyone.

“There are no grounds to consider charges against two members of the RCMP in relation to a 49-year-old man who took his life in Portapique, Colchester Co., near 6 p.m. on Oct. 16, 2013,” the SiRT release reads.

“The man was parked and in his truck when he contacted 911 about 15 hours earlier. He spoke with the 911 operator for two-and-a-half hours. He then spoke with one or the other of the two officers over the next 12-and-a-half hours.”

Both the officers Thompson spoke to are trained operators.

The release said Thompson gave details throughout the call of how he had murdered his wife, Cheryl Mildred Thompson, 47, a few hours before. He also spoke about his intent to end his own life.

“The SiRT investigation found that the operator and both police officers were very professional when dealing with the man, and the officers demonstrated the best aspects of persons trained in negotiation techniques,” the release continues. “While they all did their best to have the man surrender without harm to anyone, near 6 p.m. he took his own life with a single gunshot to his head.”

SIRT is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia. Investigations are under the direction and control of independent civilian director Ron MacDonald, who has the sole authority to determine if charges should be laid after the conclusion of an investigation.

A provincial investigation into the RCMP’s actions regarding a standoff with 49-year-old Gerald Thompson in Portapique back in October has concluded. The investigation deemed there are no grounds to consider charges against officers involved and that they did their best to have the man surrender without harm to anyone.